Employers offer input on ERIEC direction
Employers from a dozen different sectors have offered suggestions for initiatives that may result in them hiring more internationally trained professionals (ITPs).
The employer input formed the base of the Industry Needs Assessment Stakeholder Feedback Report, completed by McGarva Consulting&Concepts Inc. in March 2012.
“The report gives us a snapshot of what employers perceive about ERIEC and about their practices in hiring foreign-trained workers,” said Doug Piquette, ERIEC Executive Director.
The initiative to collect input directly from employers was spurred by several key community stakeholders in helping to advise ERIEC on the study’s strategic direction and implementation. ERIEC assumed the role as project manager.
“Needs assessments are valuable tools,” explained Doug. “Before we implement an idea on behalf of employers, the assessment shows us what they need from the context of their own operations.”
Following are the report recommendations. None have been adopted yet, but they will be considered as ERIEC works on future initiatives that assist employers.
- Jointly host international career fairs.
- Host hiring ITP-specific human resource training seminars.
- Explore staffing a human resource advisor position to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in recruiting and retaining ITPs.
- Work with industry associations to develop toolkits for SMEs.
- Enhance the content of ERIEC’s website.
- Determine what role, if any, ERIEC should play in lobbying for more effective and timely immigration processes.
- Determine what role, if any, ERIEC should play in communicating provincial immigrant strategy and policy to stakeholders.
- Work with service agencies to determine gaps and potential for program development and funding for more technical language and cultural issue training.